Chemistry

Chemistry
is the study of matter. Chemists not only study the nature of all substances
that exist, they also create many new substances. Some study the composition,
properties, and structure of compounds, and others delight in investigating
the reactions in which substances are converted into others. Knowledge
of the changes in structure and energy during these reactions, and of
how various factors affect the rate of reactions, help chemists to develop
theories and techniques to meet the new challenges of our time. Chemists
usually specialize in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Biochemistry.
The SDSU undergraduate program covers the fundamentals of each of these
areas with an emphasis in laboratory study and practical applications
of chemistry.

Chemistry is a great career choice because it is
fascinating, it contributes to society, and it is readily employable.
Production, research, teaching and administration each appeal to many
chemists. There are exciting and rewarding chemical careers in evaluating
environmental problems, in developing new pharmaceuticals, in finding
alternative energy sources, in creating new processes and products, in
studying the nature of matter, identifying and characterizing natural
products, and in tracing the processes in living cells to name just a
few possibilities. Chemistry is referred to as the central science because
it intimately overlaps with other sciences, such as astronomy, biology,
geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Every level of industry
and every level of government require chemists, and many chemists go into
business for themselves.

Program Overview

The Department of Chemistry offers a variety of
degree programs to meet the goals of its undergraduate and graduate students.

The
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry, with the certificate
of the American Chemical Society, is the core curriculum. It is designed
to prepare the student for the broadest range of opportunities in employment
or graduate studies. A modification of the B.S. degree leads to an Emphasis
in Biochemistry, which is often selected by students preparing for pharmaceutical
or medical careers, as well as aspiring biochemists. This major requires
some biochemistry and biology courses in lieu of some classical chemistry
courses.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry,
with the certificate of the American Chemical Society, meets the needs
of other students. The B.A. degree requires a foreign language, greater
subject matter breadth, and less upper-division chemistry than the B.S.
It is a true liberal arts education.

A second Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry
is designed for students in a pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-veterinary
program. A student in this program is expected to minor in biology.

The department offers a B.S. Degree in Applied
Arts and Sciences, which prepares students for the Single Subject
Teaching Credential.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical
Physics is offered for students who wish more mathematics and physics.
Individual master plans for each student are filed with the evaluations
office.

Graduate Programs. The Chemistry
Department office will be pleased to provide applications and detailed
information about the Masters and Doctoral programs offered by the department.
The Ph.D. degree is offered jointly with the Chemistry Department of the
University of California at San Diego.

Special Features

The
SDSU Chemistry curriculum offers an unusual amount of hands-on laboratory
experience. Laboratories provide hours of small class instruction
with experienced instructors. Students learn a wide range of current techniques,
use sophisticated instrumentation, and gain experience through group problem
solving. As a result, our graduates are sought out by graduate schools,
government laboratories, and industry.

SDSU has an active chemistry student organization,
Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (S.A.A.C.S.).
These students enhance the social and educational programs of the department.
They offer counseling and tutoring services; sponsor barbecues, potlucks
and banquets; coordinate field trips, and have fund- raisers. S.A.A.C.S.
provides the best way to network with students and faculty.

Most students crown their training with a senior
project in which they work in the research laboratory of a faculty member
of their choice. Senior projects often lead to presentations at chemistry
meetings and publications in respected chemistry journals.

Career Opportunities

A wide variety of career opportunities are open
to chemistry graduates. As expected, many chemistry students are employed
by chemical and petrochemical corporations. Locally, many of our students
are employed by biotechnology, pharmaceutical and electronics firms. There
are SDSU graduates in the EPA, the DEA, and crime laboratories. The City
and County of San Diego employ many chemists in providing safe drinking
water and preventing pollution. Others find careers in management, market
research, and sales. The department is particularly proud of the large
number of our graduates who are high school, community college, and university
teachers.

Although San Diego is not known as an industrial
area, the San Diego Section of the American Chemical Society is comprised
of over 2,100 local chemists.

General Catalog

You can view more complete information regarding
the Chemistry program in the General
Catalog. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the
information pertinent to their areas of study available in the General
Catalog. It contains requirements for all academic majors, course descriptions,
policies, and regulations governing progress at the university. Catalogs
are distributed at all New Student Orientation programs. To order a General Catalog,
call (619) 594-7535.